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T O P I C R E V I E W

yeknom-ecaps

Have found conflicting references to the first attempt to launch the V-2 rocket at Peenemunde — March 16 or March 18, 1942 — anyone have a definitive answer?

lordolsen

In Dieter Hölskens book "V-Missiles of the Third Reich the V-1 and V-2" he states:

On March 18 1942, the long-awaited launching date, brough with it a bitter disappointment, as the rocket (A-4/V2 v1) exploded during a static test.

This test and date is confirmed in Michael J. Neufeld's book: "Von Braun, Dreamer of Space, Engineer of War."

Joel Katzowitz

My research shows the first launch attempt was on June 13, 1942 and the last on March 27, 1945.

Ken Havekotte

Joel is correct, June 13, 1942, was the first actual V-2 rocket launch from Germany's Peenemunde rocket test site.

The event in March of that same year was only a failed static test of the A-4's rocket motor on a test stand.

As the big day approached in mid-June, everything seemed to be ready with Missile No. 2.

"Ignition! Preliminary stage! Main Stage on!"

As recorded by space author Willy Ley, "For the first time, amid the thunder of the main stage, an A-4 (V-2) rose into the air. It did not look quite stable, however; the rocket rolled and made faintly pendulous motions as it climbed into a low overcast. For a while it could be heard rumbling noisily above the clouds, then there was a sudden silence. Soon afterward it fell out of a cloud layer, tumbling and without tail fins. It hit the sea, exploded, and sank."